Don’t Burn the Bridge: Resignation Letters and Keeping Connections

Being laid-off or choosing to leave a frustrating job can be stressful and interactions can quickly become awkward. However, prioritizing your needs and handling the experience with grace at the time can blossom into opportunities in the future.

No matter what, making sure you leave a company in a respectful manner will allow your past employer to reflect on your hard work, rather than focus on the abrupt way you left. Meeting with your boss, turning in your two weeks, and being honest about your situation and of course, working thoroughly through your last day leaves your past company better than you found it.

Having a good reference can excel your professional portfolio right to where you want to be, and make the changes you previously couldn’t. COVID-19 especially has created a time of uncertainty, frustration, and anger as people continue to lose their jobs at the company they were so loyal to. Moving onto the next step can be difficult as well, but answering that “where do I go from here?” question can be key to landing the job you want, rather than the one you need.

So, if you are in between jobs currently, have you maintained good connections while prioritizing your own wants? Or are you unsure of where to start?